Education

If you plan on traveling this season, you may be wondering how to go about bringing along your preferred firearm, whether for hunting or personal protection. In fact, this is one of the most common questions our customers ask us when they visit Norton Sporting Goods. Because this is such a common query, we thought it would be a good idea to share our expertise with you. Here's what you need to know to safely transport your firearm when traveling. 

Traveling by Car 

Assuming that you don't have any felonies on your record, there are no laws against transporting a firearm across state lines for personal use. However, you will need to ensure that you abide by the local laws, both in your hometown and throughout your journey. The laws vary from state to state and even from county to county, so it would be unwieldy to list all of them here. Take the time to do a bit of research before you depart so that you can follow the necessary regulations. In general, though, you'll need to store the ammunition and the firearm itself separately. Both will need to be out of reach of the driver and be in locked boxes. 

Traveling by Plane 

If you plan on flying with your firearm, you'll need to stow it in your checked baggage. Firearms and ammunition are not permitted in carry-on baggage. As with traveling by car, you'll need to keep the ammunition separate from the firearm. Both will require TSA-approved, hard-sided, locked boxes. You'll also need to declare your firearm and ammunition each time you pass through customs or airport security, and you'll need to provide all the necessary documentation for your piece at each checkpoint. 

Concealed Carry Considerations 

Concealed carry permits enable you to have your firearm on your person without it being visible to others. However, as with many other laws relating to firearms, the laws regarding concealed carry vary by state. Depending on where your permit was issued, it may carry over into other states. You'll need to do your research to determine whether your permit will be applicable at your destination. You may need to apply for an additional permit for the state you are visiting or resort to carrying your firearm openly. 

If you have more specific questions about traveling with a firearm, we will be more than happy to answer them for you. Our team is highly knowledgeable about all things relating to firearms, and we are always happy to help. We can also help you stock up on any other gear you need, including ammunition, carrying cases, clothing and more. We welcome you to stop by our shop before you head out for your vacation. We are ready to help with whatever you need!